John Bulwer

Bulwer John by Faithorne

John Bulwer (1606 – 16 October 1656) was an English physician and early phonetician who initiated various studies and explorations into the realm of non-verbal communication and the physicality of speech. He is best known for his pioneering work in the study of gesture, exploring the use of the body in communication in his numerous written works. Bulwer's contributions laid foundational insights into the understanding of body language and the importance of visual communication aspects, significantly impacting the fields of semiotics, linguistics, and communication studies.

Early Life and Education

John Bulwer was born in London in 1606. Details about his early life are scarce, but it is known that he received a comprehensive education, attending Christ's Hospital and later enrolling at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1627. Bulwer's academic journey did not end there, as he continued to pursue his interests in the medical field, although there is no record of him practicing as a traditional physician.

Career and Works

Bulwer's career was marked by his intense interest in the study of natural philosophy, particularly in understanding how humans communicate beyond spoken language. His works are among the earliest studies in what would now be considered parts of anthropology, psychology, and neurology. Bulwer's notable publications include:

• Chirologia: Or the Natural Language of the Hand (1644): This work is considered one of the first comprehensive studies on the expressive capabilities of hand gestures. Bulwer argued that hand gestures are a natural language shared by all humans, capable of conveying emotions and thoughts independently of spoken words.

• Philocophus: Or the Deafe and Dumbe Mans Friend (1648): In this book, Bulwer explored the methods of teaching speech to the deaf, advocating for the recognition of the deaf and mute as capable of learning and intellectual development. This work is significant for its early advocacy of sign language as a means of education and communication for the deaf community.

• Pathomyotomia or a Dissection of the significative Muscles of the Affections of the Minde (1649): This publication delves into the relationship between physical expressions and emotional states, suggesting that understanding muscle movements can lead to insights into human emotions.

• Anthropometamorphosis: Man Transform'd, or the Artificiall Changling (1650): Bulwer's work in this book examines the various cultural practices of body modification, showing an early interest in cultural anthropology and the diversity of human customs.

Legacy

John Bulwer's work was groundbreaking in its exploration of non-verbal communication and the human body's role in expression and understanding. His interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of medicine, philosophy, and early psychology, paved the way for future studies in communication and the human sciences. Bulwer's emphasis on the universality and importance of gesture in communication remains influential in contemporary studies of body language and non-verbal communication strategies.

Death

John Bulwer passed away on 16 October 1656. His legacy continues through the ongoing interest in his works and the fields of study he contributed to during his lifetime.